Photo by Joseph Bell

Members of the Ridgway Township Water Authority discussed road restoration issues during their monthly meeting on July 3.

The Ridgway Township Water Authority is standing behind the new water rates. 

By Joseph Bell

Record Staff Writer 

Despite grievance from at least one citizen, Ridgway Township's Municipal Authority is standing firmly behind its new water rates.
The authority recently paid $3,400 to Utility Rates Resources in Harrisburg to conduct a water usage study.
However, one citizen, Fred Lenze, questioned the authority's willingness to pay for the study and whether or not the Harrisburg company was aware of the township's water situation.
"I think it's unfair that these people pay for 4,000 gallons of water but only use 1,000," Lenze said.
Despite Lenze's opinion, chairman Ed LaValle said Utility Rates Resources was fully aware of all situations regarding township water usage.
"They requested all the usage numbers and all the figures," LaValle said. "They know about it."
Lenze further questioned LaValle's answers.
"You owning a business and being a chairman here is a conflict of interests," Lenze said.
However, LaValle quickly doused the accusations.
"Weren't you a supervisor here Fred?" LaValle questioned. "And you didn't make any decisions that helped you?"
Lenze also suggested that, as business owners, certain tax write-offs are taken into account during tax season.
"You're getting 100 percent write-off at tax time and you're getting a break off your water," Lenze said.
But LaValle said his water bill remains high.
"I pay way over the minimum because I'm always using more water," LaValle said.
In regards to road restoration, engineer Richard Wray said detrimental weather has hindered contractor's efforts to complete work.
"But they'll be here next week," Wray said. "They promised to be completely finished in a month."
Wray also said the contractor has yet to be fully paid.
"There are currently two invoices of $32,826 and $24,639," Wray said.
Works Superintendent Carl Gosnell reported that the new water system is running well.
"Concerning accountability, the overall system is running at 87.72 percent, which is much better than it has been in the past," Gosnell said. "We have issues on a line along Montmorenci (Avenue) near Elco (Electrical Company), probably vintage 1970, perhaps."
According to Gosnell, there is a possible leak in that section of line.
Gosnell also reported several properties within the township that qualify as 'camps.'
"We have six properties qualified as camps and an additional 19 in the township," Gosnell said. "They haven't been given notices to connect.. But they'd qualify for the camp rate unless that changes. Most of the camps don't even exceed 4,000 gallons a year."
LaValle asked the board to table the camp situation until its next meeting.
Gosnell also said three cemeteries and two parks, including Sandy Beach and the little league park, are not charged.
Under Wray's engineering report, he said the biggest issue two weeks ago was restoration.
"There's no restoration to a large degree on Boot Jack," Wray said. "We've voiced our displeasure over the lack of completion. The contractor prefers to have his own pavement crew come in and complete the work."
However, the weather has interfered with such efforts.
"With the weather slowing things down, the contractor said it would be done by the end of the month so, by the next meeting, it should be done," Wray said. "We do need to make a list of sites to be restored."
Solicitor Matt Taladay reported the negotiations with Ridgway Borough concerning the lawsuit have been progressive.
"On June 10, we participated in a conference call," Taladay said. "Progress has been made and there's a reasonable chance that this could get resolved."
The Ridgway Township Municipal Authority is scheduled to meet again Aug. 7 at 7 p.m. at the Township Building.